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Latest update from the MetService: A warning for widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms has been issued for Rotorua and Bay of Plenty.

Thunderstorms may become severe and produce localised downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour or possibly more.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding as well as slips and hazardous driving conditions.

10.30am

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Group is continuing to monitor conditions as severe weather warnings remain in place for Bay of Plenty.

With intense rain pockets of up to 40mm per hour expected this afternoon, they are urging the community to remain alert and be extremely careful on the roads.

10.05am:

Surface flooding was reported near Linton Park; on the corner of Meadowbank Cres and water levels in streams in local parks are high.

A slip has been reported at Okataina with people unable to get through.

Rotorua Lakes Council's roading contractor Fulton Hogan is dealing with the slip, surface flooding and the tree on Dansey Rd and staff from Rotorua Contracting (formerly Castlecorp) are dealing with the trees in the central city and on Devon St.

10am:

MetService has issued a latest statement saying a heavy rain warning is still in place for Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.

9.15am:

There has been a power outage on Lake Okataina Rd.

According to the Unison website, the outage was reported at 8.30am and is expected to last until 11.30am.

9am:

Rotorua contracting is at the Springfield Golf Course where a large tree has fallen across the driveway.

A Rotorua Lakes Council spokeswoman said the tree was not blocking the road but would take some time to remove due to its size.

7am:

Severe gales and rain have battered Rotorua overnight, but emergency services say they have not attended any related callouts.

A trough, preceded by a strong moist northeasterly flow is bringing significant rain to northern and western parts of both islands. Periods of heavy rain are expected to affect Rotorua, the wider Bay of Plenty and Gisborne from today until tomorrow morning.

According to the Unison website, there have been no reported power outages